We are recruiting: Grants & Research Officer (Volunteer)

Organisation: Association Civic Watch
Location/Type: Yaoundé, part-time, hybrid
Date posted: Friday, 2 October 2026
Deadline: 20 October 2026

About Civic Watch
Civic Watch is a youth-led, non-profit organisation based in Yaoundé. We mobilise communities to promote digital civic spaces & Technology, disinformation, and violent extremism, online and offline, for a peaceful Cameroon. Our funding themes include:

• Information Integrity: #237Check and the Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship (AFFCameroon), 
• Inclusion and Minority Protection: Training women, girls, marginalised groups, including minorities and persons with disabilities, on digital safety, cybersecurity, and defending their rights in civic spaces.
• Media and freedom of information: #Media4Peace: helping journalists report responsibly during conflict, crises, and elections.
• Community activism and #HateFreeCommunities: school and community dialogues on human rights, tolerance, and safe spaces.
• Youth civic participation & Election Integrity: Advocating for fair, transparent, and ethical use of digital tools and personal data during electoral periods. Amplifying young people’s voices in peace and electoral processes and in holding local officials accountable.

This role is central to that effort. We are looking for a Grants & Research Volunteer Officer to help us find funding and turn our programmes into strong applications.

Key responsibilities
Funding research

• Identify and vet funding opportunities (government, foundations, embassies, multilateral agencies, corporate programmes) that fit our thematic areas.
• Build and maintain a prioritised funding tracker with eligibility, deadlines, ceilings, and fit ratings.
• Study civic watch programs to understand our initiatives and effectively communicate them to potential donors.

Grant writing and application support

• Work with the team to draft concept notes, letters of interest, proposals, and budget narratives.
• Adapt our impact stories and data into donor-specific formats.

Administration and compliance

• Monitor funding deadlines to ensure timely submission of applications
• Keep an organised library of standard documents (registration papers, reports, boilerplate text).
• Support donor communication and general fundraising administration.

Who we are looking for

• Strong research skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written English (French is a strong asset)
• Experience in grant writing, proposal development, or non-profit fundraising
• Interest in peacebuilding, civic engagement, media literacy, or youth empowerment
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Organizational skills
• Nice to have: familiarity with donors active in Cameroon and West/Central Africa and beyond

Education and Qualification

• At least a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc/Licence) in a relevant field, such as Development Studies, project Management, Political Science, Communication, Journalism, International Relations, Social Sciences, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline
• Minimum 2 years’ experience is required. Recent graduates with relevant experience are welcome to apply
• Advantage: a Master’s degree, or a certificate or training in grant writing, proposal development, project management, or non-profit management

Commitment

• 5-10 hours per week, flexible schedule
• Hybrid: mainly remote, with occasional in-person meetings in Yaoundé
• Initial 3-month term, with the possibility of continued involvement

What you gain

• Hands-on experience in strategic fundraising for a peacebuilding organisation
• Measurable, mission-driven contributions for your CV, with a reference on request
• Work with a dynamic, youth-led team and exposure to international partners
• Volunteers who make strong contributions may be considered for paid opportunities as funding allows 
• Room to grow with the organisation as it expands
• Involvement in more than one project as our funding grows

How to apply
Send your updated CV and a cover letter (max. one page) explaining your interest and any relevant grant experience to info@civicwatch.cm. Use the subject line: Application_Grants & Research Officer.
Deadline: 20 October 2026.

 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.